How we do the BIG 4th

First there is a humongous breakfast feast.
Next, we dress our children like mini flags.
Then, we gather for the shortest parade with the most amount of goods thrown.

We let our kids play on train tracks while we wait.

We have patriotic conversations

...and then the real fun begins.

Some daring souls brave the park and come back with 3 feet of gummie snake, swords, and air brushed tattoos. (thanks for taking my kids grandpa and Sarah)

This year, one of us used his engineering degree to successfully relocate a hummingbird nest that was attached to the canoe. Some go canoeing, the nature friendly engineer goes kayaking.

We always have some sort of masterpiece for dinner, this year it was BBQ ribs courtesy of J&J.

We finish out the night with fireworks over the lake (well most of us do...someone had to stay with the babies).

We always celebrate Papa's birthday whether he wants to or not.
(cute fruit bouquet was a project Sarah had Miriam and Madison put together)

Papa and Grandma usually spend their birthday's being mauled by grand kids.

The kids always spend lots of time petting, feeding, and dreaming about other peoples horses.

There is usually a ride or two. Uncle Jared is the go sport utility guy.
(that is Marcus in the background, the little motorcycle ran out of gas)

We always make good memories with the cousins...

and every year I am more and more grateful for my country, for the family I come from, the family I married into, and my own little family.